Toshiba intros last-gen Gigabeat V jukebox
updated 10:35 am EDT, Mon May 28, 2007
Toshiba Gigabeat V
Toshiba today introduced the Gigabeat Vx01 series, a new upgrade to its video-focused media player line but also one of the last devices to use Microsoft's Portable Media Center interface. The handheld sends off the interface quietly discontinued in 2006 by providing extra storage of 40GB and 80GB (versus 30GB and 60GB) for music and video, including protected WMA 10 and lossless WMA 9 tracks; it also includes a new 4-inch widescreen display with a full 16.7 million colors. Japan-only buyers also get the advantage of an improved 1Seg digital TV broadcast tuner with better reception and programming guides. Sound quality takes a step upwards through treble compensation, Toshiba says.
Available either in black, red, or white at 40GB and black or white at 80GB, both devices are rated at 28 hours of battery life for music, 10 hours for offline video, and 8 hours for 1Seg tuning. They each ship June 1st at prices of $409 and $491 respectively. A North American launch as-is will be unlikely given the TV tuner, but the design may provide future influence for Microsoft's next-generation Zune player. [via Impress]
